Runwork
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Runwork vs Glide

Runwork vs Glide

Spreadsheet-based apps vs. AI-generated business applications

Quick Verdict

Glide turns spreadsheets into mobile apps with pre-built components. Runwork generates complete business applications from natural language with shared data and automation. Glide is great for simple data apps; Runwork builds interconnected business infrastructure.

Overview

Glide made it easy to turn Google Sheets or Airtable into mobile-friendly apps. It works well for simple data-driven applications. Runwork takes a different approach: describe what you need in plain English, and AI builds complete applications. Your apps share a common data graph, automations run in the background, and you get real code you own.

Glide is a No-Code App Builder.

Runwork Strengths

  • Describe what you want in natural language. AI builds complete apps.
  • Built-in database. No spreadsheet dependency.
  • Shared entity graph means apps work together automatically.
  • 3,200+ integrations connect to your business tools.
  • Full automation layer: workflows, schedules, AI agents.
  • Enterprise features: SSO, audit logs, multi-tenant support.
  • Real code output you own. No platform lock-in.

Glide Strengths

  • Quick apps from existing spreadsheets.
  • Mobile-first design approach.
  • Simple interface for non-technical users.
  • Good for data collection and display apps.
  • Low learning curve for basic use cases.

Feature Comparison

Building Experience

Feature Runwork Glide
Natural language generation -
Spreadsheet data source -
Real code output (no lock-in) -
Live preview
Git-based versioning -
Mobile-first design

Data & Integrations

Feature Runwork Glide
Built-in database Glide Tables
Shared entity graph across apps -
Pre-built integrations 3,200+ Limited
Spreadsheet sync -
File storage
Pre-built business schemas -

Automation & Logic

Feature Runwork Glide
Event-driven automations Actions
Scheduled jobs -
Multi-step workflows Limited
AI agents -
Public APIs / webhooks Limited
Sharable components

Enterprise & Security

Feature Runwork Glide
SSO / SAML Enterprise
Audit logs -
Role-based permissions
Multi-tenant support -
Custom domains Business plan
Team workspaces

Infrastructure

Feature Runwork Glide
Hosting included
Global edge deployment -
Auto-scaling
Automatic backups

Which Tool is Right for You?

Choose Runwork if you need...

  • * Complete business applications beyond simple data apps
  • * Teams who want AI to build, not configure components
  • * Organizations needing automation and workflows
  • * Customer-facing apps with multi-tenant requirements
  • * Anyone who wants real code they own

Choose Glide if you need...

  • * Quick apps from existing spreadsheet data
  • * Simple data collection and display use cases
  • * Teams who prefer mobile-first design
  • * Organizations already using Google Sheets/Airtable

Pricing Comparison

Glide charges based on users and features. Runwork offers flat workspace pricing and starts with a 14-day free trial (no credit card).

View Runwork pricing

How to Migrate from Glide

Moving from Glide to Runwork means shifting from spreadsheet-based apps to purpose-built business applications. Instead of connecting to Google Sheets, your data lives in a proper database with full automation capabilities.

Typical migration: 1-2 days for typical Glide apps

1

Export your spreadsheet data

Download your Google Sheets or Airtable data as CSV. Note relationships between tables and any computed columns—these become entity definitions and automations in Runwork.

2

Document your Glide app structure

Map out your screens, actions, and data flows. This becomes the specification for what you'll describe to Runwork.

3

Create entities in Runwork

Describe your data model. "I have inventory items, categories, and suppliers. Items belong to categories and have a supplier." Runwork creates proper entity relationships.

4

Describe your application

Instead of configuring components, describe the app. "I need an inventory management app where staff can view items, update quantities, and log supplier deliveries." Runwork generates it.

5

Add automations

Describe business logic that Glide couldn't handle. "When inventory drops below minimum, notify the purchasing team." Runwork's automation layer handles it natively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my Google Sheets integration?
Runwork has its own built-in database, so you don't need spreadsheet sync. Your data lives in a proper database with relationships, queries, and backup. Many teams find this more reliable than spreadsheet-based data.
Can Runwork match Glide's mobile-first experience?
Yes. Runwork applications are responsive by default and work well on mobile devices. Describe specific mobile layouts if needed, and Runwork generates appropriate responsive designs.
What about Glide's offline capabilities?
Runwork applications are web-based and require connectivity. For offline requirements, progressive web app features can be added to the generated code. Most business use cases work fine with standard web connectivity.
How do Glide actions compare to Runwork automations?
Runwork automations are far more powerful. While Glide actions handle simple in-app triggers, Runwork supports event-driven workflows, scheduled jobs, multi-step processes, and AI agents. You get a full automation layer, not just action buttons.

Explore Runwork Features

Apps Data & Entities Authentication

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